5 things you need to know Tuesday

WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Here are five things you need to know on Tuesday, March 4:

5. Temperatures are going to stay at or below freezing all day on Tuesday, and ice is a big concern for Tuesday morning's commute. The Federal Government is delayed two hours and many area schools are closed due to weather.

4. The D.C. Council will take a final vote on a bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Tuesday's vote will be little more than a formality. The council has already approved decriminalization by an 11-to-1 vote.

2. On Tuesday, the National Park Service is expected to announce the predicted peak bloom dates for the trees. Organizers are also announcing plans for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It's scheduled to run for three weeks from March 20 to April 13.

1. It's Fat Tuesday, baby! Mardi Gras is set to erupt in New Orleans today, an annual city ritual rooted in nearly 300 years of tradition. Carnival is not just the one day. It's a two-week event that kicks off each year with the satirical Krewe du Vieux parade and culminates on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras.

BONUS: It's National Pancake Day! Participating D.C. area IHOP restaurants have partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, giving away free pancakes with the hopes that patrons will make a donation to LLS in lieu of payment.